County official chosen

The Sanders County Commissioners chose a familiar face to fill the position of Clerk and Recorder, Treasurer and Superintendent of Schools for the county. Commissioners voted last week to appoint Lisa Wadsworth of Thompson Falls to the position.

Wadsworth has lived in Thompson Falls for more than 30 years, and has worked in the Clerk and Recorder's office for most of that time. March 1 will mark 24 years for her with the office.

"Lisa's experience in the office was the deciding factor for me," said Commissioner Dan Rowan." Everyone on the hiring committee came up with the top three candidates and it was very close. There wasn't a bad choice for Sanders County either way."

The commissioners interviewed eight candidates last Monday before making their decision on Thursday. Wadsworth was sworn in on Friday. She replaces Nichol Scribner, who resigned from the position earlier this month.

Wadsworth is excited for this new opportunity. She said she's sure there will be some changes, but she hopes the transition will be easy for her and the staff. "We have such a good staff, they all know their jobs," she stated.

"I love this county. I love the people I work with and it's a good place to live," Wadsworth said when asked why she decided to apply for the position. "I care about how the county functions. I'm a fair and open-minded person, and I felt like I was a good candidate."

The newly appointed elected official is already busy as she prepares for upcoming school elections. Wadsworth was hired as an elections clerk in 1999 and held that position until 2010, when she moved to the county's accounts payable department. She noted they will be looking to hire a replacement for that position. Wadsworth said she knows her new position will come with a big learning curve, but she is up for the challenge.

"Lisa's been here a long time and knows the ins and outs of the job," said Commissioner Tony Cox. Commissioner John Holland added that he felt Wadsworth knew the job and the people and thought it would be an easy transition into the job. "I feel she'll do a good job," Holland stated.